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October 08, 2007

41-Year-Old Recruit

41-Year-Old Recruit

The military has struggled with recruitment numbers in the last few years. But for some, joining the military is still a dream come true.

For the past two decades, Kristi Jo Newland of Grand Forks, N.D. has wanted to become a registered nurse. But she kept putting her dreams on hold as she became a single mom, working multiple jobs in order to raise four kids.

When the Army raised the age limit for enlistment from 35 to 42, Kristi leaped at the chance to get her nursing education paid for.

A couple of weeks ago, Kristi graduated from basic training at Ft. Jackson, S.C. and headed off to San Antonio for 19 weeks of training as a combat medic. Kristi's husband of less than a year stayed behind in North Dakota with the kids, but they all drove down for the great event.

Bruce, Kristi, and their children join Dick to talk about sacrifice and success, and the challenges of facing all of it at this time in their lives. Kristi turns 42 in October.

Tough Job - Parent Coordinator

More than one million children each year are affected by divorce and family separation. Half of these children will be raised in an atmosphere where parents remain in high conflict.

That's when social worker Gary Direnfeld is called in. Gary is a "parenting coordinator." Courts order parents to see him to help them maintain a healthy post-divorce relationship. Gary says acting as a referee between feuding parents has its rewards, especially when they become civil and do not need him anymore.

Gary talks to Dick about how he once helped parents mired in an argument over what time to drop off the kids on Christmas, and he explains how he deals with parents who insist he doesn't know what's best for their child.

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